> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bakingtray.swcmicroscopy.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bakingtray.swcmicroscopy.com/getting-started/hardware-setup/positioning_the_vibratome.md).

# Positioning the vibratome

## Before you start

At this point the X/Y/Z stage should have been assembled. You will need the water bath and water bath clamp. The X/Y/Z stage should be in the correct position, with the objective roughly centered over the frosted part of the slide when the X/Y stages are at 0 mm.

To give yourself close to the maximum working range, the slide surface should be at the objective's working distance with the Z stage raised all the way.

## Coarse positioning

Mount the empty water bath on the three-axis stage. With the blade holder not connected, mount the vibratome to the left or right (most systems are on the right, but it should not matter) of the system such that the blade holder mounting plate is around 70 mm from the optical axis. This will be around 55 mm from the side of the objective.

## Add the blade holder

Add a blade to the blade holder. Mount it sharp end *in* to avoid cutting yourself. Mount the blade holder to the vibratome. Slowly raise the Z stage all the way. Adjust the height of the vibratome such that with the stage at the maximum height, the blade edge is around 1 or 2 mm from the slide clamp surface. Update the stage limits, taking care that the rim of the water bath can not hit the adjustment screws on the sides of the blade holder.